Can I get 565cc implants?

Question

I consulted with my surgeon, who only uses Sientra implants. The surgeon said I can get away with going bigger because “I’m petite with a long torso”. 565cc Sientra HP are 14cm :/... is that too big for me?? My BWD is 11.5cm, I’m 5’7, 34A, 2 kids, 135lbs.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

The answer is based on what you desire. If you want a natural, full looking breast, The 385-440 cc Sientra HPs will serve you well. 565cc is a very aggressive augmentation, and will test your tissue, considering that you have a small tissue envelope (A cup). It is likely technically possible to place these large implants, but I would not recommend it. Since Sientra only provides implants to board certified plastic surgeons, you have obviously done your home work, and are in good hands.

Best Wishes

Best Wishes

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Whether or not those implants will fit will depend on not only the base width of the breast but also the amount of stretched skin in the breasts. If there is a good amount of stretched skin, then the implant will fill the pocket nicely. This is typical in women who have already had children or breastfed. If there is not much tissue laxity, then implants of that size can look constricted and unnatural. I would speak with your surgeon about your concerns and ask for a sizing session with sizers if you are uncomfortable with the recommended sizes.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
When it comes to breast augmentation, oftentimes your surgeon will allow you to "try on" different implant sizes prior to your procedure. They will have you place the implant within a bra, and then try on a tight fitting shirt to mimic the appearance of your breasts post-operatively. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and for evaluation.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Your ideal size should  have a diameter or width less than your breast width. If it is the same or larger you run the risks of too much tissue stretch, thinning, rippling and sagging that can be difficult to correct. You can look at the other manufacturers  to see what the largest high profile implant would be in a narrower width, if you are trying to go as big as you can safely. I would recommend more consultations with board certified plastic surgeons. Hope that helps.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. That does seem rather large for your frame. I would voice your concerns to your plastic surgeon but also schedule a second consultation with another board certified plastic surgeon To go over your expectations. Good luck!

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Using 3D imaging you can see what any implant volume, shape, size, or profile will look like on you.  Using the technology you can see the result before your procedure.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

565 cc sounds large to me but it really friends on what you want. If would certainly make you a D cup if that’s what you want. Personally I rarely go over 500 cc’s, but they make implants up to 800 cc’s. Somebody obviously is using them if the company sells them.

Dustin L. Reid, MD · Answer

Hi Sincere.  As is always the case, it's hard to give great input without seeing you in person.  But based on your measurements, that width seems a little high.  Perhaps you would be better served to visit with someone open to using other brands of implants.  Sientra implants are great implants, but so are the Natrelle Soft-touch implants, and these offer some higher projections.  It wouldn't be bad, to at least know your options.  Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sincere001,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery